Tension filled the air ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix when Max Verstappen caused an unexpected moment during a press conference in Suzuka. The three-time world champion surprised everyone by refusing to answer questions while a specific journalist remained in the room, making it clear from the start that he was not willing to back down. “I’m not going to speak until he leaves,” he stated firmly to the media, causing discomfort among those present. He was even more direct, pointing to the reporter and saying, “Out,” forcing the session to be temporarily halted until the person in question left the premises. The journalist in question was Giles Richards, a well-known Formula 1 correspondent for the British newspaper The Guardian. Why was he kicked out? The origin of the conflict was not recent but dates back to the end of the 2025 season, when Richards questioned the Dutch driver about a controversial incident that occurred at the Spanish Grand Prix. In that race, Verstappen had contact with George Russell that resulted in a 10-second penalty, a situation that ultimately significantly affected his fight for the championship. That penalty proved decisive, as Verstappen lost key points that later cost him the title to Lando Norris by a narrow margin. Richards' question as to whether he regretted that action was not well received at the time, leaving a latent tension that resurfaced months later in Japan. Once the journalist had left the venue, the Red Bull driver resumed the conference as usual, although the episode had already marked the day. Such situations are uncommon in Formula 1, where the protagonists usually attend all accredited media without restrictions. However, the Dutchman made it clear that he does not forget easily and that, in certain circumstances, he prefers to impose his conditions.
